Reducing the Burden of Atrial Fibrillation Cost: Is Integrated Care the Answer?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an emerging global epidemic. Incidence and prevalence of the condition continues to exponentially rise and shows no sign of abating. AF is associated with significant morbidity and mortality including an increased risk of all-cause death, a five- to sevenfold increase in the risk of stroke and a threefold increase in the risk of heart failure. Furthermore, the number of hospitalizations due to AF have significantly increased across numerous countries and remain the most costly component of AF care delivery.1 It is likely that many of these hospitalizations might be preventable with studies demonstrating that factors beyond that of clinical need play a role in AF hospital admissions. In Ontario, Canada, significant geographical variation in admission to hospital for AF from the emergency department has been shown with this ranging from 3% to 91%.